A new logo for the transit dept., created by UWSP students. (Metro Wire photo)

UWSP graphic design students work with community partners

March 21, 2018

By Brandi Makuski

A new partnership between UWSP and the local businesses is creating a stir throughout the community.

Throughout the fall semester, 26 students from the Advanced Study in Graphic Design Processes class created logo designs and applications, print publications, photography, postcards, signage, web and app concept development for five Central Wisconsin partners and one national nonprofit agency.

Councilwoman Mary Kneebone, who serves on the city’s transportation commission, said she was not only “proud” of the work the students had done, but also of the unique partnership.

“It’s just a really neat thing to have happen,” Kneebone said on Monday.

According to a news release from UWSP, the students produced work for the Aging and Disability Resource Center, Portage County Business Council, Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Stevens Point Transit, Sustainable Heating Solutions and EcoFluent.

The work was overseen and co-created by Professor Diana Hoover and a visiting professor, Donna Murray-Tiedge.

Throughout the process, students created mock agencies, requiring business skills, and pitching and contracting work to real clients.

“This project helped me design something that wasn’t made for me,” said Jacob Powell, a graphic design student from Antigo. “It gave me the opportunity to learn what someone else wanted and make a design they liked.”

Student designers created promotional pieces for the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Pictured are Susan Schlicht, office manager; student Ashley Hess, Greendale; student Molly Newman, Wisconsin Rapids; student Abby Frank, Pembine; Sarah Brish, executive director; and Katelyn Kaiser, marketing/design intern. Melissa Sabel, director of marketing, also took part in the project. (Contributed)

The work was also noticed by business leaders throughout the area.

“The students were professional and treat us as clients throughout their learning experience,” said Todd Kuckkahn, executive director of the Portage County Business Council. “Their final products were high quality, well thought-out, and they clearly listened to us.”

Hoover said she expects the collaboration to continue.

“Forging these kinds of partnerships gives students first-hand experience in professional design,” said Hoover, “and it continues to build bridges for win-win community and university interactions.”

For information on becoming a community partner with the Department of Art and Design, contact Hoover at [email protected] or 715-346-4556.